SHILLONG: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi, who is also the chairman of Kendriya Vidyalaya Tura, will file a separate FIR against the principal in charge of the school and a senior teacher for allegedly raping two school students.
Bakshi said he would meet students, teachers and parents next week.
In addition, the District Administration has also decided to issue guidelines to all the schools in West Garo Hills to set up child protection committees. It will also ensure that all schools follow the modalities for students’ safety.
Stressing on the need to sensitise students on such issues, Bakshi said a helpline number will be introduced for students where they can express their grievances in case they are afraid of discussing such issues with teachers and parents.
The sexual assault on two Class XII students allegedly took place on the evening of September 3 after the principal in charge, Yogesh Joshi, and another teacher identified as Deepjyoti Das, invited some senior students to celebrate the former’s birthday.
Three girls and four boys were invited to the principal’s official quarter on that evening for the celebration and they were offered fruit juice. It was alleged that the drinks offered to the two girls were spiked.
Deborah calls for thorough probe
Minister for School Education Deborah Marak on Friday called for a thorough probe into the Tura Kendriya Vidyalaya incident. “Police must ensure thorough investigation so that stringent punishment is given to the guilty. It is shocking that such a crime was committed by teachers who are supposed to guide and protect the students,” said Marak.
The Minister stressed on awareness and guidance programmes highlighting the dangers of sexual exploitation of children. “Every school must ensure that children are made aware of the dangers because the first line of defense is always awareness,” said Marak.
